Ahead of the forthcoming drupa trade show, which will be taking place May 3 to 16, 2012 in Düsseldorf, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) has equipped its computer-to-plate imaging systems in the Suprasetter series with new functions for more versatile application options, higher productivity, and lower environmental impact. For example, a smaller processor for the Suprasetter 105 ACL/DCL helps to cut chemical and power consumption. Heidelberg is presenting these products under the banners of HEI Productivity and HEI Eco.

The company now offers customers in the security printing segment a "5080 dpi high resolution" option for the Suprasetter A52 and A75 entry-level models. Both models are equipped with a laser module that can image printing plates at one of two resolutions - 2540 dpi or 5080 dpi. This new option has been developed specifically for security printing applications to enable smooth printing of very fine lines for e.g. guilloches, microlines, and micro lettering. These extremely fine structures are used primarily in the printing of banknotes, shares, certificates, official stickers, and tickets. Besides high resolution, customers also benefit from easy handling and extremely good process stability.

Suprasetter 105 / A105 with new automation concept
The fully automatic Auto / Dual Cassette Loader (ACL/DCL) plate loading unit is the latest automation concept to be launched by Heidelberg for the Suprasetter 105 and Suprasetter A105. The cassette compartments and a conveyor are integrated into the system, thereby reducing space requirements by up to 45 percent.

Users working in the 70x100 cm (27.56x39.37 in) format can now choose between variants with one or two cassette compartments according to their requirements. In addition to the two plate formats that are available directly in the loader, users can also manually load additional plate formats. This enables maximum flexibility in plate production.

A turntable is available as an optional accessory to turn the imaged plates 90 degrees on the conveyor from landscape to portrait format. Outputting in portrait format means the processor can be used with an infeed width of 85 cm. The use of a smaller processor reduces the overall investment for the CtP system and also significantly lowers the consumption of chemicals and power.

Heidelberg has sold a total of more than 4,300 computer-to-plate systems since the Suprasetter series was launched at drupa 2004.